We’ve all seen the signs around the District — by city law, pedestrians in crosswalks without crossing signals have the right of way. But will we ever get caught zooming through intersections while pedestrians try to cross? According to the Post, we just might. Provoked by the 10 pedestrian deaths so far this year, police have started going undercover to enforce the District’s pedestrian laws, often to the chagrin of city drivers oblivious to them. But area pedestrians need to remember that they too can be ticketed — walkers must cross streets at designated crosswalks, and they cannot simply jump into traffic and expect it to stop.

Ehrlich Kicks Off Campaign for Second Term: Just as Virginia is a red state with a blue governor, Maryland has of recent been a blue state with a red governor. And Robert Ehrlich would like that to stay that way. The Post is reporting that Ehrlich kicked off his re-election campaign yesterday, aiming to be the first Republican in 50 years to be elected to a second term. And in looking to close a 19 percent gap with Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley among female voters, Ehrlich chose Kristen Cox, his blind secretary of disabilities, as his running mate.

Virginia Law Penalizes Party Hosting Parents: Kids will drink at some point in their lives, whether of age or not. And for some pragmatic-minded parents, the best best place to do it is in the home, where they can be watched over to make sure that they and their friends don’t try and drive home after a long night of drinking. But starting this Saturday, Virginia parents who decide to buy the liquor for their children and their parties will face a number of consequences. According to the Post, a law passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Tim Kaine goes into effect this weekend, adding to the 20 states that already have them, known as “social host liability laws.”

This Day in DCist: On this day last year, we were reminded just how dirty the Anacostia River really is, we created the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, and we saw Club U lose its liquor license.

Briefly Noted: District buys HIV testing kits … Metro to improve alert system in wake of floods … Officials inspect leaking dam in Rockville … Museums work to protect artifacts.

Picture snapped by a nameless yeast